Matthew the Evangelist Writing the Gospel
The background of early illuminations is generally of a neuter character, an opaque golden pigment or a decorative pattern being used. Surrounding architectural elements will appear later, most of them depicting a scholar’s studio.
The character is represented either sitting or standing in front of a table upon which there are writing tools. Usually, an open codex is also present on the table, suggesting the Books of the Prophets from the Old Testament.
The character, dressed in a tunica and chiton, is deeply concentrated on the act of writing, and is usually envisaged as a mature, almost white-haired man, full-bearded and wrinkled.
A red or black outline, delimiting a circle-like zone of the golden background, or a flat disk represents the nimbus. More often than not the Evangelist is accompanied by his symbol, the Angel, his head almost always crowned by a nimbus.
The background of early illuminations is generally of a neuter character, an opaque golden pigment or a decorative pattern being used. Surrounding architectural elements will appear later, most of them depicting a scholar’s studio.
The character is represented either sitting or standing in front of a table upon which there are writing tools. Usually, an open codex is also present on the table, suggesting the Books of the Prophets from the Old Testament.
The character, dressed in a tunica and chiton, is deeply concentrated on the act of writing, and is usually envisaged as a mature, almost white-haired man, full-bearded and wrinkled.
A red or black outline, delimiting a circle-like zone of the golden background, or a flat disk represents the nimbus. More often than not the Evangelist is accompanied by his symbol, the Angel, his head almost always crowned by a nimbus.
